The Minuteman 320 SE (special edition) is a 12-ft. magazine bar feeder designed for feeding round, square and hexagonal barstock into CNC lathes. The bar feeder features a 3- to 26-mm bar diameter capacity with hydrodynamic quick-change polyurethane guide channels. An extruded aluminum case surrounds the Minuteman’s polyurethane guide channels, increasing strength and stability. This channel configuration is flooded with oil to create a hydrodynamic effect resulting in higher rpm with reduced noise and vibration.

Dual anti-vibration devices are designed to stabilize the barstock at two critical points between the guide channel and lathe spindle, maximizing rpm potential, the company says.

As a standard feature on the bar feeder, the synchronization device for Swiss-type lathes employs an electro-magnetic coupling, mechanically linking the lathe’s headstock’s Z-axis travel to the bar feeder’s pusher to ensure synchronous movement and no loss of connection between the barstock and pusher collet.

The machine features an easy-to-use remote control pendant with a Mitsubishi control and servodrive that provides motion control and functionality.

A two-pusher design reduces the overall length of the unit by as much as 4 ft. A short pusher pre-feeds the bar, then retracts; a second full-length pusher lowers into position to continue the feeding process.